Pickled Bamboo Shoots (Easy Recipe)

If you’re searching for an easy and delicious appetizer or side dish, look no further!

My pickled bamboo shoots recipe is packed with flavor, has a delightful crunch, and is the perfect addition to any meal.

So, let’s dive into my personal experience with this tasty treat and learn how you can create it in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Pickled Bamboo Shoots Recipe

1. Unique Flavor: The combination of spices and seasonings in this recipe creates a bold, unusual flavor that will delight your taste buds and have you craving more.
2. Versatile: You can serve this dish as an appetizer, side dish or even as a topping for rice or noodles. It’s great for various occasions, from casual dinners to more formal gatherings.
3. Healthy: Bamboo shoots are low in calories and high in fiber, making this dish both satisfying and guilt-free.
4. Easy to Prepare: With just a handful of ingredients and a simple preparation process, this recipe takes minimal effort and time to create.
5. Customizable: Feel free to adjust the level of spice or sweetness to suit your preferences or to experiment with additional herbs and seasonings.

Recommended Equipment

• Colander: To rinse and drain the pickled bamboo shoots easily.
• Medium-sized saucepan: For sautéing and simmering the bamboo shoots in one pot, making for a less cluttered kitchen.
• Wooden spoon: To stir the bamboo shoots and mix in the spices, sauces, and seasonings without scratching your saucepan.

Ingredients

• Boiled pickled bamboo shoots (1 bag) – A unique and tasty main ingredient that gives the dish its characteristic crunch and texture.
• Garlic (1 clove) – Adds depth and an aromatic touch to the dish.
• Ichimi spice (to taste) – A Japanese chili powder that adds heat and more flavor.
• Japanese dashi stock powder (1) – Provides a savory, umami flavor that enhances the overall taste.
• Soy sauce (3 tbsp) – Adds saltiness and an appetizing color.
• Sugar (3 tbsp) – Balances the saltiness and spiciness for a more pronounced taste.
• Mirin (a dash) – A Japanese cooking wine, giving the dish a subtle sweetness and complexity.
• Pepper (a dash) – Enhances the overall flavor with a slightly spicy note.
• Sesame oil (to taste) – Adds a rich, nutty aroma and flavor to the bamboo shoots.

How To Make Pickled Bamboo Shoots

1. Step 1 – Start by draining the pickled bamboo shoots in a colander and giving them a quick rinse.
2. Step 2 – In a medium-sized saucepan, heat the sesame oil before adding the drained bamboo shoots to sauté.
3. Step 3 – As the bamboo shoots become coated in oil, mix in the grated garlic and ichimi spice.
4. Step 4 – Pour in enough water to cover the bamboo shoots, followed by the dashi stock powder and sugar. Allow to simmer.
5. Step 5 – Stir in the soy sauce and mirin, then continue simmering until the bamboo shoots become tender and the flavors meld. Finish off with a drizzle of sesame oil before serving.

Ingredient Variations and Substitutions

• Sichuan pepper: Substitute ichimi spice with Sichuan pepper for a unique, tingling spiciness.
• Honey: Replace sugar with honey for a natural, floral sweetness to balance the flavors.
• Tamari: Use tamari sauce in place of soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative.

Preparation and Cooking Tips

• Make sure to rinse the pickled bamboo shoots thoroughly before using to remove any excess salt and other impurities.
• When sautéing the bamboo shoots, stir them frequently to prevent burning and to ensure even cooking.
• Adjust the amount of ichimi spice, sugar, and soy sauce depending on your personal preference for sweetness, spiciness, and saltiness.
• For a milder, less spicy flavor profile, use less ichimi spice or substitute it with regular chili powder.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the sugar and soy sauce quantity to make the sauce caramelized.

Pairing Suggestions

Pickled bamboo shoots go well with other Asian-inspired dishes such as teriyaki chicken or beef stir-fry. They can be paired with a light white wine, a crisp beer or even chilled sake. For a vegetarian meal, enjoy the bamboo shoots atop of a big bowl of ramen, mix into a stir-fry, or add into a salad.

Benefits

• Bamboo shoots are low in calories, high in fiber, and loaded with essential nutrients, with vitamins and minerals like vitamin B6, potassium, and manganese.
• The recipe is a great option for vegans and vegetarians, with no animal products used in the preparation.
• The soy sauce and mirin used in the recipe are full of beneficial amino acids while adding in additional umami taste.

Storage Tips and Shelf Life

Store the pickled bamboo shoots in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and they should stay fresh for up to a week. If you have additional leftovers, they may even last for a week more. You may need to add additional sauce to keep the dish from drying out as it sits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh bamboo shoots instead of pickled ones?

Yes, you can use fresh bamboo shoots, but you’ll need to boil them longer to reduce the grassy taste and prepare them for pickling. Cook in boiling water for at least an hour, then remove the outer layer before slicing.

Are pickled bamboo shoots healthy?

Pickled bamboo shoots are a healthy and low-calorie choice packed with high fiber, vitamins and minerals, as well as providing protection against various diseases.

How can I adjust the spice level of the recipe to my liking?

The level of spice from ichimi spice can be adjusted per each individual’s preference. Reduce it if you cannot handle spice, increase it for extra heat or add other chilli paste or powder.